In a bid to check the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), the Lagos State Government on Saturday warned residents against urinating and defecating in drains, dumpsites and empty areas.
Mr Tunji Bello, the Commissioner for the Environment gave the warning on Saturday when he led some state officials to monitor the monthly sanitation exercise across the state.
He said open urination and defecation could further spread of the virus.
“People can contract the virus through urine and faeces. Residents should keep their environment clean and take the other preventive measures to reduce the risk of being infected.
“ Now Ebola is a serious health issue in the country and there are things our people need to do and should not do to help contain the spread of the disease.
“Residents must stop defecating or urinating in public. This should stop because if somebody is infected and he goes out to urinate in open places that is just the easiest way to spread it,’’ Bello told newsmen.
“If we are able to stop the unhygienic habits and do the right thing, then we are on course in the fight against the disease.’’
On indiscriminate dumping of waste by residents, Bello warned them to desist from such practices, saying it is a major cause of flooding and other environmental problems in the state.
He condemned dumping of refuse in unauthorised places in Isolo area of the metropolis and said that the government would fence off some affected locations as part of efforts to discourage such habits.
Bello said some residents, who had erected structures on flood-prone areas had been notified to remove such structures immediately for public safety.
On the monthly sanitation, the commissioner
urged the people to participate actively in the exercise.
“Participating in the exercise regularly should be a duty of all.
“We see people playing football and doing some things during the exercise. We have cautioned them.
“Some would listen, some would not. But those who would not comply the law enforcement agents will take care of them,’’ he said. http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/08/ebola-lasg-warns-residents-open-defecation/